The European Union's anti-fraud office has opened a formal investigation into Peter Mandelson, the former British politician and EU trade commissioner.

The EU's anti-fraud office confirmed it has "sufficient information" to launch the investigation, though officials have not disclosed whether the probe involves allegations of fraud or other potential violations.

Mandelson, who served as the European Commissioner for Trade from 2004 to 2008, previously held senior positions in the British government under Tony Blair, including Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The anti-fraud office, known as OLAF, is responsible investigating fraud against the EU budget, corruption and serious misconduct within European institutions. The office has the authority to conduct administrative investigations and can recommend criminal proceedings to national authorities.

No further details about the scope or timeline of the investigation have been released. Mandelson has not publicly commented on the matter.